fishlover78

Hi everyone, I know that many on fish lore use the API master test kit. I have been told that at Walmart the jungle lab test strips they sell can be inaccurate, so I should us the API master kit. how about the API test strips, how accurate are they? do any of you use them? also I have been performing water changes one to two times a month changed about 1/3 to 1/2 of the water and vacuuming the gravel, since the big pleco will be leaving soon will my schedule change any? I also use stress coat as the primary water conditioner. should I use or do anything else (this has always been the routine and the water stays clear)? thanks again!

Steen16

I had api test strips I would say they are inaccurate! they always were diffrent readings i had to use two at once to make an average estimate between the two. liquid test are the best so far that i have used.

fishlover78

thanks Steen16, the guy at walmart (which I would never believe) said that they were accurate, but then again I had to point at the fish I wanted to buy because he had no idea which ones were which!

Steen16

I never trust PET stores I only trust stores devoted to FISH.

fishlover78

Steen16, that Is exactly the way I feel, with the exception of the small local pet shop my friend works at where they actually know what they're talking about. the nice part is she will make you well aware of the issues ahead if #1 your tank is too small, #2 your tank isn't cycled (people don't even know what cycling a tank is!) and #3 if the fish you pick are compatible, if what you want isn't possible she really will try her best to help you pick something more reasonable for your tank. this makes me feel that I can trust her completely when I recommend her to others. I also feel that she's not out there for the money, she's out there to give animals good homes. (the last two sentences make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!)